A RESCUE dog is charming her way into the affections of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Missy, a three-year-old cross-breed, owned by Anna Drinkwater, from Westlands, Newcastle, is competing to play Toto in a special gala performance of the Wizard of Oz.

The talented pet has made it through to the final five in a nationwide search on the BBC reality show Over the Rainbow.

The pair will appear on the programme, hosted by Graham Norton, on Sunday.

Pharmacist Anna, aged 38, said: "Missy is very obedient and is the only one in the final group who can speak on command. When I got her she was one year old and had already been to two different homes that didn't work out for her. She is really good-natured dog and she loves an audience."

Anna found out about the auditions from a national advert and took Missy to the first round at the Kennel Club, near Warwick, on April 13. There she joined dozens of other dog owners, walking their pets in a circle so the show's producers could select the animals which caught their eye. Missy made it to the final 10 and went to Lord Lloyd Webber's home where she auditioned on the lawn.

Anna had taught her a few new tricks for that stage, which was screened on the show last Sunday.

She said: "Missy has all her Kennel Club obedience certificates, but she couldn't really do any tricks at the first audition.

"I managed to teach her four new things in only three days so she could show off for Andrew Lloyd Webber.

"Now she can give her paw on command, dance on two legs, roll over and give her signature by jumping up and touching her paw on an ink pad.

"I couldn't believe how well-behaved she was on the day. I was worried she would run off chasing butterflies, but she was really level-headed. I was also worried she wouldn't take to Andrew Lloyd Webber because he is a bit of an odd fish, but she just sniffed his leg and licked his hand.

"We've already filmed the first television challenge in London, but I can't reveal anything about it."

Anna got Missy to comfort her former dog, Bailey, who had a brain tumour and was frightened of everything. He died last year.

She is a cross between a bearded collie, springer spaniel and a terrier, and Anna believes her mischievous, fun and loving nature will shine through.

She said: "All the other dogs are lovely and would be brilliant Totos, but Missy is a real performer and she seems to be enjoying all the attention."

The winning Toto will perform alongside the girl chosen to play Dorothy in a new West End version of the musical, made famous by Judy Garland.